In the sanctified precinct of Bain Al Haramain in Karbala, the shrines of the holy brothers, Imam Hussein (as) and Aba Fadlil Abbas (as) are exactly 378 m apart. It is not surprising to discover that 378 m is also the exact distance between the hills of Safa and Marwah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Though the most heart breaking reason why the two shrines are separated by this distance is because both brothers were buried after their brutal demise exactly where they were killed. Imam Hussein, on the battlefield of Karbala and Abbas charging back with water from the Euphrates for the desperately thirsty children of the camp of Imam Hussein (as)

Whilst not directly recognised as one of the purified and infallible household of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHAHF), Aba Fadthlil Abbas (as) is indeed exemplary in his service, devotion and dedication to them. Often narrated that on the day of Ashura Imam Hussein pleads with his brother to call him “brother” but such was the admiration of Abbas to his brother and recognition of his status with God, That he could not but say “oh my master Hussein”.

Aba Fadthlil Abbas (as) is the son of Imam Ali (as) and Fatima Um Albaneen (as), the second wife of Imam Ali after the tragic death of Fatima Al Zahra (as), the beloved daughter of the prophet Muhammad (PBUHAHF)

The blessed Um Albaneen (as) subsequently lost all of her sons on the Tragic Day of Karbala. Upon hearing the news of her children, hearing their names read out one by one she screams at the herald to inform her of her “Son” Hussein (as). Thus was the devotion of all who truly loved imam Hussein.

Of course no one loved Hussein (as) as much as his brother Abbas and for this reason, Abbas (as) is an inspiration for Muslims all over the world and the perfect example of service in Islamic philosophy, and practice.